The Indiana Department of Natural Resources awarded the City of Fort Wayne a $900,000 grant Tuesday as part of the Hoosiers on the Move statewide trails plan.

The City'€™s grant will fund Phase IIB, or about 1.7 miles, of the planned Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. This 5.5-mile trail will connect the Rivergreenway with the Aboite New Trails system, eventually creating 40 miles of contiguous trails from New Haven to southwest Allen County.

“Fort Wayne is now known statewide for our growing trail system, which is becoming a key part of the City'€™s infrastructure,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Our trails provide key elements for improving our quality of life including safe alternative transportation and free access to recreation and exercise.”

The City'€™s grant was one of 28 projects totaling $19 million selected throughout Indiana. The Towpath Trail, which is under construction currently, is part of the Indiana State Visionary Trails System.